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Mapping References

  1. Online Data Sources
  2. Desktop Applications
  3. Google Earth Pro
  4. Mobile Applications

Online Data Sources

In addition to the following national sources, inquire about local GIS resource availability.

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Desktop Applications

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Google EarthPro

Settings

Viewing 3D Terrain in Google Earth Pro requires selecting the terrain option from the bottom of the layers portion of the left side menu.

Resources

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Mobile Applications

Collector for ArcGIS

Collector works on iOS, Android, and Windows 10 and allows the user to collect and update information in the field, take maps and data offline, sync changes when connected, attribute data collection with easy-to-use map-driven forms, and capture and share photos and videos.

Avenza Maps and Pro Subscriptions

Avenza Maps is GIS technology available on Apple, Android, and Windows devices for navigation, information collection, and sharing geographic information and knowledge. It displays geospatial PDF, GeoPDF® and GeoTIFF and interacts with the GPS on the device, allowing the user to record GPS tracks, add placemarks, and find places.

Avenza Maps Pro users will be able to import and export shapefiles and current capabilities of the Avenza PDF Maps App in terms of data collection and editing but with Avenza Maps Pro, shapefiles are a supported import/export format. More features will be added, over time. It is a subscription service, requiring registration of individual devices. 

With the release of the Pro version, the current standard Avenza PDF Maps App will be changing, the most significant change will be users may only access five maps at any time on their device, unless the maps have all been obtained from the Avenza Map Store. It is strongly recommended that all users upgrade to the new Avenza Maps Pro version.

Avenza Maps Pro may be available under an enterprise license contract through the U.S. Forest Service.

Other Products

  • Gaia GPS and GaiaPro - Gaia GPS integrates topo maps, offline navigation tools, and planning features, seamlessly across phones, tablets, and gaiagps.com. GaiaPro spans Gaia GPS on iOS, and Android. GaiaPro is an upgrade to the standard application, including custom maps, premium satellite imagery, public land, hunting zones, and tools including layered maps, area measurement, and printing.
  • You Need a Map - A map that works in Apple IOS to provide coverage of the US without a cell phone signal, showing not just roads but also terrain, streams, lakes, and other landmarks.
  • Theodolite 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources